Starbucks (SBUX.O), opens new tab has been sued by consumers who said the coffee chain falsely advertised eight ​protein beverages as “sugar-free” because they contain lactose, a naturally occurring sugar ‌in milk.

According to a proposed class action filed on Friday, reasonable consumers would not expect the beverages to contain 13 to 21 grams of sugar per 20- or 24-ounce “venti” ​serving.

[…]

A Starbucks spokesperson said in an email that the claims have no merit.

“Starbucks has consistently ​and clearly provided information about its protein beverages, sugar-free options, customization choices, and ​nutritional content across product announcements, menus, marketing materials, Starbucks.com and the Starbucks app, and we ‌intend ⁠to vigorously defend ourselves,” the spokesperson said.

It’s literally a disaccharide at several times the 0.5g/12 oz limit for “sugar-free”. I’m genuinely shocked how brazen this lie is.